Are these pro-Islamic books? State board delays vote on textbooks after bias concerns raised (poll)

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The state board of education delayed today consideration of a measure to recommend more than 500 new social studies books for use in public schools based on allegations that 12 of those books are pro-Islamic.

Objections raised by the conservative groups Eagle Forum of Alabama and ACT! for America included that authors went out of their way to present Islam in a positive light and that they dedicated more space to Islam as compared to Christianity.

The reviews were highly critical of Islam, calling it a violent, intolerant religion and calling for the school board to reject books that did not portray that. They also said certain statements from the books were insulting to Christians.

"Jesus is presented as a man who decided to preach to people about his
'ideas.' No mention of his virgin birth or of his deity as the Son of
God. This is offensive and an insult to the Holy Bible scriptures," read one review sent Dec. 4 to school board members.

"Islam has always spread by the sword," read another.

Multiple school board members said they had received few specific criticisms upon which to act, but they would review the complaints before the matter returns to the board in January.

One school board member expressed concern that rejecting the books would be isolating for children.

"My religion stands toe to toe with any religion, and I'm not intimidated because I have faith. ..." said Ella Bell of Montgomery. "I am worried about us trying to protect people from the knowledge of things that happen right around them."